Basics of Bone Biology

Bone is the major constituent of the skeleton which is a hallmark of all higher vertebrates. Besides the protection of internal organs and the support of body structures, the most important functions of bone are to serve as an attachment site for ligaments, tendons, and muscles allowing locomotion and provide a cavity for hematopoiesis in the bone marrow (Mendez-Ferrer et al. 2010; Zaidi 2007). Moreover, bone has a central role in mineral homeostasis as it functions as a reservoir for inorganic ions that can be mobilized rapidly on metabolic demand.